What is the primary diet of most dabbling ducks?

The primary diet of most dabbling ducks consists of aquatic plants and seeds because they are primarily foragers in shallow water habitats where these food sources are abundant. Dabbling ducks, such as mallards and northern pintails, typically feed by tipping their bodies forward in the water while keeping their tails upright, allowing them to access the submerged vegetation and seeds. This feeding behavior enables them to consume a variety of plant materials, including duckweed, pondweed, and the seeds of native wetland plants, which provide the necessary nutrients for their diets.

In contrast, while insects and small fish are certainly part of the diet for some waterfowl, dabbling ducks specifically prefer to forage on plant material. Grains and nuts are more relevant for certain species during migration seasons or in agricultural regions, but they do not constitute the primary food source for dabbling ducks. Similarly, fruits and berries are not commonly targeted by these birds, making aquatic plants and seeds the clear and primary component of their diet in their natural habitats.